Child identified by authorities as 9-year-old Alejandro Ripley

MIAMI – A 9-year-old boy with autism who police said was abducted Thursday night in Miami-Dade County has been found dead, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement confirmed Friday morning as it canceled an Amber Alert for the child.

Authorities have not confirmed how Alejandro Ripley died or where his body was found, News 6 partner WPLG-TV reported.

According to Miami-Dade police, the boy’s mother, Patricia Ripley, 47, was driving west on Southwest 88th Street from 157th Avenue when she noticed she was being followed by a light blue, four-door sedan.

Police said the driver tried to side-swipe Ripley’s car, forcing her to veer onto Southwest 158th Avenue. The car then blocked her and a passenger got out of the vehicle, ambushing Ripley and demanding drugs from her, authorities said.

Police said Ripley told the man she didn’t have any drugs, at which time he snatched her son and her cellphone before getting back in the car and fleeing south.

The driver and passenger of the blue sedan were identified by police only as two black males.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477.

The Florida Amber Alert for Alejandro Ripley has been cancelled. We are very sad to report that the child was found deceased.If you would like further information, please call the Miami-Dade Police Department at 305-476-5423.

An Amber Alert has been issued for a missing 9-year-old boy who was abducted in South Florida, according to officials.

Police said Alejandro Ripley was abducted Thursday night by two men at a Home Depot in The Hammocks area in Miami-Dade County.

“The child was abducted by two unknown black males driving an unknown light blue four-door sedan,” the Florida Department of Law Enforcement said in the alert. “One of the abductors may be wearing all black clothing and a black bandanna as a face mask. He may also have cornrows in his hair. If located, do not approach. Contact law enforcement immediately.”

The FDLE said Alejandro was last seen wearing a Captain America T-shirt, black shorts and black Crocs.

Alejandro was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, and he has a scar on his left leg, the FDLE said.

Anyone with information about Alejandro’s whereabouts is asked to call 911 or 305-476-5423 or 888-356-4774.